They may function fairly well, but some part of their life is suffering. Over 95 percent of alcoholics have families, friends, and jobs. They could be anyone, from all backgrounds and walks of life. Unfortunately, the only person who can stop the alcoholic from drinking is the alcoholic himself or herself. Alcoholism affects the entire family indeed, everyone who has contact with the alcoholic is affected. Total abstinence from drinking is the only way to arrest the disease. It is a progressive illness, which will get only worse as long as the person continues to drink. Each member is free to define that power in his or her own way.Īlcoholism is widely recognized as a disease of compulsive drinking, which can be arrested, but not cured. Our Twelve Steps ask us to find a "Power greater than ourselves" who can help us solve our problems and find serenity. We avoid discussion of specific religious doctrine, and members of all faiths (or of none) are welcome. Members are asked to contribute what they can afford, so that the group can pay rent, provide literature, and offer support to local and worldwide service centers.Īl-Anon Family Groups is a spiritual fellowship, not a religious one. Most groups pass a basket for voluntary contributions. There are no dues or fees in Al-Anon and Alateen meetings. Meetings are confidential, and we do not disclose whom we see or what we hear at meetings to anyone. One of the Al-Anon program's basic principles is that of anonymity. Members are available to answer questions before or after the meetings. Some meetings offer beginners' meetings, specifically for newcomers. Newcomers are welcomed to meetings, usually provided with literature and a local meeting list, and invited to listen and learn. It is your choice to speak or not during the meetings. No matter what our specific experience has been we share a common bond: we feel our lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. They are parents, children, spouses, partners, brothers, sisters, other family members, friends, employers, employees, and coworkers of alcoholics. Who are the members of Al-Anon and Alateen?Īl-Anon and Alateen members are people just like you and me–people who have been affected by someone else's drinking. For meeting information in Canada, the US, and Puerto Rico you can call 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-88). Many of those listed post meeting information on their Web sites. Cities with local information services are listed on our Web site. We come together to learn a better way of life, to find happiness whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.Īl-Anon may be listed in the white pages of your local telephone directory. You will meet others who share your feelings and frustrations, if not your exact situation. In Al-Anon and Alateen, members share their own experience, strength, and hope with each other. We all come to Al-Anon because we want and need help. We want our lives to be different, but nothing we have done has brought about change. Many who come to Al-Anon/Alateen are in despair, feeling hopeless, unable to believe that things can ever change.
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